Swyer-James-Macleod Syndrome: A Rare Finding in a Case of Haemoptysis

Abstract

Swyer-James-MacLeod Syndrome (SJMS) is a rare cause of a hyperlucent unilateral hemithorax. It is usually found in childhood and is a long-term sequalae of postinfectious bronchiolitis obliterans. It can be an incidental finding in adults. Most patients are asymptomatic. However, some patients can present with recurrent pulmonary infections, haemoptysis or dyspnoea. The diagnosis of SJMS is made radiographically by chest x-ray and CT scan. Majority of symptomatic patients will require conservative management. It is also important to rule out other diseases which have similar radiological picture as inaccurate diagnoses can lead to inappropriate therapy. Here we report a case of 63-year-old woman who presented with haemoptysis and progressive dyspnoea and was subsequently diagnosed as a case of SJMS.

Keywords

• haemoptysis
• hyperlucent hemithorax
• swyer-james-macleod syndrome